36 32.5 N 006 17.0 W Cadiz, Andalucia

Tuesday 25th May

An easy downwind sail to the Bay of Cadiz which is huge, with about five ports dotted around its edges. Cadiz sticks out like a lollipop at the southeastern end of the bay and is full of ocean cruise liners, tankers and fishing boats. There are two yacht ports, one Club Nautico for locals and one municipal one for visitors as well as locals. They are both about 1 ½ miles from the old centre of Cadiz, so having the bikes on board is a godsend.

Apparently Cadiz claims to be Western Europe's oldest city, starting with the Phoenicians in 1100 BC, and occupied in succession by the Carthiginians, Romans, Moors then the Hispanic Christians. All the new world stuff was taken on board here with lots of references to various South American countries. Francis Drake raided the port - he tried at least!

We have had a good time cycling around the 4 main routes recommended by the local tourist office (Medieval District, Castles & Bastions, Shippers to the Indies, and "Consitutional buildings"). Some were easier than others, the seaside promenades and gardens easy, the narrow streets and cobbles more difficult. Cadiz has one of the best Mercados / Abastos we have seen yet in Southern Spain. Huge halls with umpteen butchers surrounding the outside and fish and fruit stalls circling the inside. Spent most of the morning there being tempted. Ended up with mix of crab claws, melons and strawberries and rustic "pan".

Not many good photos as everywhere very difficult to photo, it all being quite narrow. Also an awful lot of reconstruction, renovation, road digging and unsightly barriers up - detracted from the place a bit. So we liked it as it was a bustly, very real place, but will probably head on tomorrow for Barbate, on the way for Gibraltar. We are keen to negotiate the Straits in good weather. Their reputation precedes them. That said, R is getting keen on making a little detour down to Tangier. Could be interesting....

Until the next signal, hope all is well with everyone. Am trying to think of an appropriate message to send to my favourite Uncle Sid for his 80th birthday! xx